USW Welcomes Deal to Keep Exide Battery Plant Running

VERNON, Calif., Oct. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The United Steelworkers (USW) is relieved to learn that an agreement between the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) and Exide Technologies will allow the company's Vernon battery recycling plant to continue operating as work continues to address potentially harmful emissions.

"The USW hopes that this settlement will allow the 100 hard-working union members at the Exide facility to continue to hold good-paying manufacturing jobs that allow them to take care of their families and contribute to the overall economy of their community," the union said in a statement.

"While we still need time to review and consider the full implications of the DTSC agreement, we also remain hopeful that this will allow Exide to reduce any harmful emissions and relieve the community's concerns and fears about the plant," the USW said. "We look forward to continuing to work with both Exide and the community to build a future that includes both a robust economy and a clean and safe environment where working families can thrive and raise their children."

The USW represents 850,000 members in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. It is the largest private-sector union in North America, representing workers in a range of industries including metals, mining, rubber, paper and forestry, oil refining, health care, security, hotels, and municipal governments and agencies.